Further proof that Zack Snyder's Man of Steel will tell some sort of origin story for Superman comes via Variety today as they report that Russell Crowe is in talks to play Superman's father, Jor-El, which was a role filled by Marlon Brando in the original Superman: The Movie. We don't know how big this role will be just yet, but it's an important enough part that Christopher Nolan specifically wanted, as Variety states, a "splashy marquee name" for Supes' biological father, who was a scientist on the planet Krypton prior to its destruction.

Seeing as Jor-El will factor into the story means that Superman's mother, Lara, will make an appearance too, as well as Krypton. Apparently they're also looking for a "big name" to play Lara, and we wouldn't be surprised to see them trying to woo someone like Angelina Jolie, who has a strong screen presence and would make a great Lara. Stay tuned as more develops; Man of Steel goes into production next month, and is expected to hit theaters in December of 2012. Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Kevin Costner (Pa Kent), Diane Lane (Ma Kent) and Michael Shannon (Zod) are set to star.

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